Children's wellbeing was 'compromised' due to failings at this Leeds nursery - Ofsted report
‘Children are not always closely supervised when they are eating’
An Ofsted inspection has ruled that the wellbeing of children was “compromised” by failings at a nursery in Leeds.
Three Bears Nursery, located on Otley Road, Weetwood, received a ‘Needs attention’ rating in four out of six categories, and an ‘Expected standard’ rating in the remaining two during an April 2026 inspection.
The nursery received a ‘Needs attention’ rating for behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines, children's welfare and wellbeing, curriculum and teaching, and leadership and governance.
Previously rated as Good under the old grading system during a 2021 inspection, they received an ‘Expected standard’ rating in the categories of achievement and inclusion.
“Children's wellbeing and welfare are compromised due to breaches of the requirements of the early years foundation stage statutory framework,” Ofsted said. “Children are not always closely supervised when they are eating. Children's health and hygiene practices are not consistently promoted.
“In addition, not all children receive high-quality experiences across all areas of the nursery. Leaders do not implement the curriculum consistently. This leads to inconsistencies in planning the environment, teaching and supporting children's behaviour.”
Despite this, children, including disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, generally achieve well from their starting points, according to the report. They are suitably prepared for the next stage of their learning and for their move on to school.
Children “feel safe and secure” in the care of the kind and caring staff, and use their key person as a source of comfort when they are upset. Staff promote positive relationships with children and their families.
Leaders and staff include all children at this nursery. They identify emerging needs early and quickly put support in place. Leaders and staff generally meet their emerging needs well.
Overall, leaders and staff have appropriate expectations for children's behaviour. Staff typically encourage and praise children's positive behaviour. However, at times, inconsistencies in supporting children's behaviour in practice have a negative impact on some children.
Inspectors added: “Leaders do not ensure the curriculum is implemented consistently across all areas of the nursery. These inconsistencies and some weaknesses in teaching have a negative impact on some children's learning.
“Children do not consistently have access to a stimulating environment and, at times, children wander around with little focus to their play. Staff do not always recognise and respond to this to ensure children are engaged in meaningful play throughout the day.”
Leaders have an awareness of the nursery's strengths and areas for development, according to the report. However, they have not identified that some aspects of the nursery have lead to breaches of the requirements of the early years foundation stage statutory framework.
Children who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities are included in the day-to-day routines of the nursery. Children typically build warm, trusting and respectful relationships with their key persons.
The inspection was carried out as a result of a risk assessment, following information Ofsted received about the provider.
Three Bears Nursery has been approached for comment.